It’s no secret that Connecticut winters are notoriously cold. And, if you’re retired, that weather is an excellent excuse to spend the season in a warmer location. But, while you may be planning on taking a trip, your home will still be subject to freezing temperatures that could put your plumbing and heating fixtures in jeopardy. To help you keep your utilities in good shape, here are a few reasons why you should winterize your property — and how to do it.

What Can Happen If You Don’t Winterize Your Home?

Burst Pipes

When temperatures drop below freezing, any water in your plumbing system will expand and cause the pipes to burst. The resulting leaks can cause serious water damage to your property. Sewer line and water heater systems are also subject to freezing, leading to problems that are expensive and time-consuming to repair.

Whether you’re staying at home or not, you should make sure that all outdoor water valves are drained and turned off, as these are the most likely to freeze. If you’re leaving your home for an extended period, drain all your plumbing. Plumbers can ensure proper drainage by blowing compressed air through the pipes. They can also add anti-freeze to the system to defend against freezing.

To further defend your plumbing, insulate your pipes. You might also consider leaving your heating system on at a low heat with a programmable thermostat so that warm air can continue to flow through the house.

Paint, Floor, & Furniture Damage

If your home’s interior gets too cold, changes in temperature may cause paint to expand and contract, resulting in unattractive cracking. Similarly, thermal expansion and contraction can cause damage to wood flooring and furniture.

In addition to programming your thermostat to produce a steady, low heat, there are several ways you can insulate your home to keep the cold out. For example, you should make sure all doors and windows are properly sealed and that all weather-stripping is intact. Adding rugs to exposed floors can also help.

Faulty Heating

Home heating systems have to work hard to produce steady temperatures throughout the winter. If components start to fail throughout the season, your home may not end up getting the heat it needs while you’re away. To avoid these risks, have a heating repair specialist inspect and tune-up your system before winter arrives.

Whether you’re staying in place this winter or spending the season abroad, McGuire Plumbing & Heating can help safeguard your property. Using non-toxic anti-freeze, our professionals will treat your pipes so they can endure the winter cold — without the risk of damaging chemicals. We also offer heating repair services to ensure your heater can power through the winter in a safe and efficient manner. For more details on the plumbing and heating services that we offer in the Voluntown, CT, area, visit the website. To request winterization services emergency plumbing repairs, call a friendly team member at (860) 376-3388.